Because of its strength and resistance to heat and fire, asbestos was once very common in many building products. Even though some properties of asbestos were beneficial to the building project, it was eventually discovered that asbestos was a very dangerous carcinogen that causes mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. As a result, many states have passed laws requiring that asbestos be safely removed so that it no longer poses a risk to anyone working in or around it. Although asbestos removal may seem to be a very time consuming and costly endeavor, the costs of not having it removed could be even more expensive and even deadly.
Do I Have Asbestos In My Building?
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to know if your building was built using asbestos products. Many commercial buildings used asbestos as flame retardant or spray insulation. It was also popularly used in ceiling panels and was a very common component of the sprayed-on “popcorn ceiling”. The danger of asbestos is when particles break off and enter the air. In the case of ceiling or wall panels, asbestos can be introduced into the air when holes are drill or panels become damaged. Asbestos heating ducts are often damaged when worker walk through your attic and floor coverings containing asbestos release fibers during renovations. Although the production of asbestos was banned in 1978, many contractors used it as late as 1986. If your building was constructed before this time, it is possible that you have asbestos. The only way to make sure is to have a professional inspect and test the materials in your home or building.
The Inspection Process
If you believe that you may have asbestos in your home, it’s important that you give us a call. As experts in the field of asbestos removal we can answer your questions and if necessary visit your site for a consultation. Although it may be possible for some products containing asbestos to remain in place, asbestos materials that could become damaged during a renovation project need to be safely removed. And while our estimators can visually inspect your home or office and make recommendations, testing should be provided by an independent Asbestos Consultant. Please contact us for the names or reputable firms.
The Asbestos Removal Process
Because every job is different, it is tough to tell exactly what will be required before we have an accurate picture of everything that’s needed. Although the removal process may seem disruptive and intense, the benefits of having asbestos removed from your home or business greatly outweigh the costs. For those operating commercial businesses, asbestos removal or encapsulation may even be mandated by law.
If you think you might need professional help, give us a call. Universal Abatement Services will be happy to evaluate your issues and answer your questions.